Witching Hours and Holy Days!

Even though the cool winds of fall aren't really here yet (with some of us having an unusually warm fall), it is time to plan ahead for next years sabbats! These are two calendars I used (and loved) in 2017! The datebook has kept me on time (and centered) in court and meetings, and the wall version has provided my family with daily magickal reminders!

Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions by Dorothy Morrison--Book Review

From Dorothy Morrison's website . . . see link below to order the book. 

"It is good for us crones," said the fellow witch. She was recommending I read "Utterly Wicked" by Dorothy Morrison. "As they say, 'Cause no harm, but take no shit," she added.

I leaned in on my cane, clutching the Not My Fucking Problem spray I had just purchased and taking in the title: Crone. Although I am clearly a Queen, a title too often forgotten when it comes to describing women who are not maidens and not mothers, I let it sink in. I decided "Crone" was a compliment, and kept the lightening bolts inside my fingers.

I made my way to a bench and used my phone to order "Utterly Wicked: Curses, hexes & other unsavory notions":

With Amazon Prime (Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial), the order arrived quickly, though I suppose the smart crone, needing to hex in a hurry, would read online (which also reduces the price of the book) using a service like Kindle: Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial.

Dorothy Morrison describes her audience in the introduction, and, like this blog, it is ". . . for those folks who are sick and tired of swallowing the bullshit served up by other people. It is for those folks who are fighting mad and livid pissed. Yes, it is for those folks who are tired of taking a screwing at every turn, who are ready to wage war, and who have finally mastered the gumption to do something about it."

My only criticism is that some of the spells call for animal parts, and I prefer vegan work. However, one can always look for vegan substitutes, as I did when substituting human feet charms for chicken feet.

Morrison includes spells directed to legal disputes, including an "Opposing Attorney Hex." The hex is not too different from some of my work, but Morrison includes incantations--something I normally do not include as part of my work.

This is an excellent resource for composing work in an area shunned by many witches, cursing and hexing. It is for those of us who have what it takes "to become the things that go bump in the night."

Happy bitchcrafting! May all your unsavory notions come true!

(I may become very rich if you click on the affiliate links in this article.)

10 Most Effective Herbs for Justice

When I have an upcoming court date or due date, I have success with the following herbs (and related) items:

1.  Galangal -- I chew and spit pieces of root into a bowl (these can be used to make a mojo packet to carry with me later) for three days (if time allows). I also am a dedicated burner often mix some into a burning bowl with my intention or coat a candle (ashes and leavings can go in a mojo). Galangal brews into a delicious (ginger-ish) tea, or can be slurped up in wonderful Thai soup.

2.  Witch's Ball -- Sweet gum. This amazing herb helps keep people and problems away. For example, I might use it in a ritual where I ask a person's efforts against me to be ineffective. Setting it on top of something representing a person (image, business card, a pleading they submitted) keeps them and their energies at bay. 3. Devil's shoe string -- Where was this powerful herb all my life? It can banish and hex. A bit tied around my ankle, under my pants, does not set off courthouse metal detectors. I charge it with a protective intention, and wear it to court.

I use it with specific intention in workings, keep it near my altar as a passive aid in warding off the bad stuff, and put it between me and those I experience as having negative energy or intention. A friend puts it on the business card or something representing someone she wants to keep away. The picture below is a sweet gum ball I placed on a tarot card that stood in for a person who was causing a friend troubles (and he asked my help).

My Tarot deck is Visconti-Sforza

3. Devil's shoestring. Where was this herb on my life?! I use it for binding, hexing, and protecting--it can do all of these at once! A bit around my ankle makes it through security for court, and jar of it stands guard over my altar area.

4. Graveyard dirt -- This is not an herb, but a great helper. The dirt I select, with permission, is from the grave of my dog, who was particularly protective of me. I once came under attack from a dishonest client. I took the dirt and used it to draw a circle around my waist. An anticipated antagonistic court appearance turned entirely in my favor; I was beyond the reach of the grasping, angry client. I also keep some of this pure, protective energy near my bed and altar in small salt shakers.

5. Witch's salt -- My purple salt (blended with lavender and salt) brings truth and clarity. In addition to keeping it on my altar and around my work area, I like to wear some in a poison ring (making "poison ring" a bit of a misnomer). It is a wonderful gift for those needing to clear a space or call in positive energy.

6. Solomon's Seal root -- in addition to burning or setting on my altar with intention prior to court dates, I find a little of this carried with me brings truth forward in the courtroom or meetings.

7. High John root -- the same as above, when we had a local Solomon's Seal shortage!

8. Custom blend -- I think we should each create our own and will post my recipe in another post, but mine is hot pepper (magnifier), garlic, black pepper, salt, and other herbs according to specific intention. I carry it in my ring, put a little in a mojo bag, or carry some in a tissue where I can allow it to scatter. 

9.  Rosemary -- rosemary is the go-to protection herb for me and many others. A sprig can be attractive and not call attention when tucked into a calendar or into the top of a purse. It cleanses and protects.

10. Mother-in-law's tongue -- going by snake plant and many other names, this plant works powerful magic. I keep some as a houseplant, and snip off a piece with permission. I then roll it and tie with string, strips of slippery elm bark, or raffia to bind the tongue of someone who just will not speak truth. I find it both binds the tongue (of the opponent) and closes the ears (of the would-be audience). This can be helpful for stopping gossip as well as stifling dishonest parties in litigation.

None of the above are presented here in relation to any specific intention. Of course, it is important to be clear on the intended recipient/outcome of any spell. A spell on clarity is here.